A knowledgeable legal team that cares about you

In some situations, it may be necessary for one former spouse to pay the other alimony, either on a temporary or permanent basis. This can be difficult to calculate, so work with the dedicated divorce lawyers at Conroy Law Firm, PLC in Covington. Our established team delivers the personal attention you need and deserve, developing a carefully-planned strategy related to alimony as you work your way through divorce.

When is alimony a factor in divorce?

In Louisiana, courts may issue alimony, also called spousal support or maintenance, to be paid from one spouse to another to help the recipient maintain a similar standard of living to what was experienced during the marriage. However, this is almost always temporary, as judges aim to provide recipients with the support needed to obtain the skills, education and training necessary to one day become self-sufficient.

Both parties have the right to request temporary alimony as the divorce proceeds, with the expectation that a more firm arrangement will be reached with the final divorce decree. Generally, the amount of temporary spousal support ordered is based on the couple’s previous standard of living, whereas permanent alimony prioritizes financial need and the capacity of the recipient to earn a living now or in the near future.

One of the most significant factors in determining alimony in Louisiana is fault. The individual requesting the spousal support may not have been at fault for the dissolution of the marriage through actions like adultery, abandonment, or physical and sexual abuse. Other key factors include the length of the marriage and if one spouse put a career or education on hold to raise children and care for the marital home.

Taking action for refusal to pay

We see many situations in which a former spouse ordered to pay alimony refuses to do so. If this is the case, we can help pursue the money owed to you through an earnings assignment order, which requires the payer’s employer to provide the necessary funds directly. This is basically a form of wage garnishment, in which the money bypasses the delinquent payer and goes directly to the individual who is supposed to receive it. We may also ask that the payer be held in contempt of court for knowingly ignoring a spousal support order.

A reputable family law firm serving Mandeville and Metairie

If you could use the advice of a knowledgeable attorney when it comes to your spousal support needs in Louisiana, consult the dedicated team at Conroy Law Firm, PLC. Our lawyers proudly serve clients in Mandeville, Metairie, Covington and the surrounding areas. To get started today, call 985-606-3885 or contact us online.

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Conroy Law Firm A Professional Law Corporation is located in Covington, LA and serves clients in and around Covington, Slidell, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Pearl River, Lacombe, Saint Benedict, Bush and Saint Tammany County.

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